The brooks upon Holder Green, in whose flood the geese contentedly struggled, had the best water in the place. The passer-by often paused at the broad channel to drink, while their animals ran before. Then, rinsing their mouths, they ran, shrieking after them. Others, returning from the fields, watered their beasts here.
Amrie gained the favor of many through a little earthern cup which she had begged from Mariann. Often, when the passers came to the brook, Amrie offered her cup, saying, “You can drink better with this.” Upon the return of the cup rested many friendly glances, sometimes a longer, sometimes a shorter time upon her. This did her so much good, that she was almost vexed if any one went over without drinking. She would stand by the brook with her cup full, running over; and, if these signs failed, she surprised her geese with an unlooked for bath. One day there came a Berner chaise with two stately white horses. A broad, Oberland farmer completely filled the double seat. He drew up and asked, “Girl! hast thou nothing to drink with?”
“Indeed I have—all ready.” Trembling, Amrie brought her cup full of water.
“Ah,” said the Oberlander, after he had taken a good draught, and with dripping mouth half in the cup, half out, “in the whole world there is no such water as that.”
He began again, and winked to Amrie that she should be quiet, for he had but just begun; and it was particularly disagreeable to speak while one was drinking. The child seemed to understand this; and, after he had given back the cup, she said, “Yes, the water is good and healthy. If your horses would drink, it is for them, especially, good.”
“My horses are warm, and need not drink at present. Are you of Holderbrunnen, maiden?”
“Truly.”
“And what is your name?”
“Amrie.”
“To whom dost thou belong?”